In Defense of Flea Markets

Admittedly, they could have come up with a better name for the flea market. Over the past decade, various city councilmembers have looked visibly uncomfortable, squirming in their seats, as they tried to explain to the stall owners that the markets were unsightly and unsanitary. At passionate meetings, several eloquent speakers defended their profession as the quintessential small business, their kids put through college, their ascent up the rungs of the economic ladder. But they’ve remained on the City’s hit list for good. There was an utter failure to culturally communicate. When the PDNG’s downtown plan was unveiled, the flea markets were quickly struck and replaced by a Santa Fe-style mercado. (read more)